BOWEL DISORDERS

Bowel disorders are conditions affecting the digestive tract. Symptoms can be painful, difficult to manage, and often make maintaining a healthy sex life challenging. They may be urgent and embarrassing, involving issues such as gas, bloating, and difficulty controlling bowel movements.

Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, gastrointestinal cancers (colon, rectal, colorectal, intestinal, stomach), and other bowel disorders can significantly complicate intimacy. Studies have found that up to one-third of women with IBS experience sexual difficulties, reporting an impact on both desire and intimate relationships.

When Love Hurts explores the complexities of women’s sexual experiences when living with bowel disorders – which is the focus of the following sections.

Bowel disorders affect people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. Both Denmark and the United States have relatively high rates, and prevalence is increasing in northern, urban areas – Copenhagen being no exception.